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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.